Libon of Elis

Greek architect

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June 30, 2026

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Libon of Elis was a Greek architect active in the 5th century BCE. He is primarily known for designing the Temple of Zeus at Olympia. This temple, built around 460 BCE, was a significant Doric structure made of local conglomerate covered in stucco. It featured a distinctive layout with six columns at the front and thirteen on the sides, enclosing a large central hall. The temple was renowned for its rich sculptural decoration, depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Libon's work at Olympia places him among the notable architects of ancient Greece, contributing to the grandeur of the sacred site.1

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Olympia
The remains of Olympia
…460 bce by the architect Libon of Elis, the temple was made of a coarse local shell conglomerate, the exposed surfaces being covered with a coat of fine white stucco. The temple had 6 columns across the front and 13 on the sides. Its pronaos (porch) and opisthodomos (rear porch)…
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…460 bce by the architect Libon of Elis, the temple was made of a coarse local shell conglomerate, the exposed surfaces being covered with a coat of fine white stucco. The temple had 6 columns across the front and 13 on the sides. Its pronaos (porch) and opisthodomos (rear porch)…
Read More